Coding a Better Future: Digital Skills for Youth in Mosul, Iraq

In an effort to address youth unemployment in Iraq, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) launched the Austrian Government-funded ‘Digital technology skills to enhance employability in Iraq’ project, targeting young refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities. In April 2025, 12-day training in Mosul, Nineveh, engaged 20 participants in hands-on coding, robotics, and entrepreneurship skills.

The curriculum gradually introduced participants to increasingly complex topics, balancing theoretical understanding and hands-on experience. Participants learned Arduino, a widely used platform for electronics projects known for its simplicity and versatility. They also learned C/C++, programming languages commonly used in software development. 

The first nine sessions covered the fundamentals of coding and programming and participants explored the basics of motors, controlling robot motion, using output modules, and LCD displays. Each technical session emphasized experimentation, fostering confidence in programming logic, electronics handling, and basic mechatronic applications.

Complementing the technical track, the final three days focused on the development of business skills. These sessions aimed to instill an entrepreneurial mindset and provide participants with foundational tools to assess, plan, and manage small business ventures. The goal was to help participants understand the role of entrepreneurs in economic development and encourage them to think critically about starting and sustaining their own businesses while linking their technical skills to real-world economic opportunities. The sessions also dedicated time to the fundamentals of financial record-keeping, budgeting, and profit projection.

Thana Mashkur, legal advisor at the Industrial Development and Regulatory Directorate of the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals, applauded the programme, stressing the importance of entrepreneurship for youth who face significant challenges in starting their own businesses. 

“Digital technology is increasingly indispensable for aspiring entrepreneurs to foster innovation, growth, and sustainability,” Thana noted. 

Participants demonstrated remarkable growth throughout the training. Zahra Luay, a recent graduate of the Mosul University’s College of Sciences and a freelance tutor, participated in the training with the goal of securing full-time employment. While she had learned coding theory at university and enjoyed teaching it to her students, she previously struggled to link the principles of coding with practical applications. After completing the training, she expressed confidence in her ability to teach hands-on projects and develop technology-based solutions.

Reflecting on her experience, Zahra said, “The most engaging part of the training was the project where we installed sensors for humidity, heat, sound, and smoke. I can now assemble them on my own without any assistance.”

Zahra believes that unemployed youth should look for novel opportunities in digital technologies. Inspired by the entrepreneurship component of the programme, she is now considering setting up a tutoring office and transforming her freelance work into a more sustainable business. "Entrepreneurship sessions enabled me to identify and address the needs of potential customers and myself, utilizing my technology proficiency and the economic opportunities in the growing digital landscape," she added.

Iraq is currently grappling with significant economic challenges, including high unemployment, widespread poverty, and limited job opportunities. The country also faces ongoing insecurity and political instability, which further complicates the economic landscape.

Youth under 24 account for 57.9% of Iraq’s population. Unemployment is a major concern for this demographic, particularly young women. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the 2024 projected youth unemployment rates are 27.8% for males and 63.3% for females.

Digital technologies hold immense potential for driving job creation and fostering economic inclusion. They can help reduce the gender gap by offering favorable working conditions, such as flexible hours and remote work. Many young Iraqis are increasingly interested in pursuing careers in information and communication technology (ICT), recognizing the opportunities it presents.

Walid Raid, a student at the Mosul Technical Institute, also participated in the training. He had no prior background in coding and said that the training opened up new horizons for him. Drawing on what he learned, Walid designed and developed a project to help deaf and hard of hearing people, using sound sensors, artificial intelligence, and an LCD. 

“I enjoyed the training hours especially because they offered a practical link with theories. It has changed my vision of the possibilities of technology.” Walid said.

Abdulkareem Ahmed, the training’s C/C++ programming instructor, praised the participants’ progress: “We could see the confidence of participants. Towards the end of the training, there was much better communication and interaction between them. Participants expressed their empowerment and initiatives to provide more sustainable sources of income.”

By providing young people with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Austria–UNIDO project, ‘Digital technology skills to enhance employability in Iraq,’ has proven to be a catalyst for fostering a more inclusive and stable society, ultimately contributing to the long-term well-being and prosperity of Iraq.